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Damien Hugot is a
25th-generation winemaker who cultivates 20 acres of estate
vineyards, primarily in the prestigious Grand Cru Villages
of Cramant and Chouilly.
Damien comes from a family that has been cultivating grapes
in Champagne since at least 1660, possibly earlier. The
estate features 20 acres of land, including some old-vine
Meunier planted by his grandfather along the border of
Chavot and Monthelon. What stands out about his vineyards
is their age: the average for his Grand Cru Chardonnay is
over 40 years, with many plots dating back to the 1950s and
1930s, all planted with high-quality massale selections.
Damien and his wife Miwa are dedicated workers, managing
almost all vineyard and winery operations themselves. Miwa
oversees the winery, located in the southeastern corner of
Epernay, just a short distance from the Chouilly Grand Cru
vineyards. The facility is immaculate, modern, and equipped
with beautiful oak foudres and small,
temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks.
During our visit in November, we tasted nearly every tank
and barrel, along with the entire range of current
Champagnes. I left with a strong impression of richness and
generosity. His style is reminiscent of Meursault,
showcasing fantastic texture, hints of pineapple, and a
captivating nuttiness, all supported by high-quality
acidity and minerality. The 2018s from the old-vine,
mid-slope parcels were exotic and opulent—truly unlike any
other vin clair I’ve encountered. Since we first started
working with Damien’s wines, they have gone from strength
to strength, adding more complexity as the reserve
perpetuelles age and gain additional vintages. We are very
excited about this latest release.
These Champagnes offer an accessible luxury, and we
wholeheartedly encourage enthusiasts of Grand Cru Blanc de
Blancs to seek them out.
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